HT Correspondent
NAGAON, July 2: Amidst the devastation caused by the mighty Brahmaputra in several districts of Upper Assam over the past couple of days, the overflowing water breached the Hatimura embankment near the under-construction sluice gate of the Kolong revival project on Tuesday morning, inundating larger areas of Kaliabor and Jakhalabandha here.
It is reported that the overflow from the mighty Brahmaputra is flowing swiftly through the Kolong river, raising fears of panic among the riverine people of the district in the coming hours.
The state government implemented a multi-crore pilot project under the SOPD scheme for the revival of the Kolong river and constructed a sluice gate at the Hatimura embankment. This project was intended to regulate additional water from the Brahmaputra through the Kolong river in a systematic and controlled manner during the monsoon season.
According to information received, floodwaters from the Brahmaputra have already submerged Jakhalabandha Bazar and are steadily encroaching upon NH 37. There are concerns that the floodwaters will spill over the road within the next few hours. Extensive areas including Dhekial, Kotiori Bhagawati Gaon, Dulal Madhav, Madhatari, Borbhakati, and other areas under Kaliabor subdivision have reportedly been submerged, prompting residents to relocate to nearby places.
During this fresh wave of flooding, more than 35 domestic animals have been washed away in the affected areas. Additionally, floodwaters have swept away a footbridge near Gumuthagaon, near Kaliabor.
Meanwhile, district commissioner Narendra Kr Shah, along with Kaliabor sub divisional officer Leeza Talukder, rushed to the flood-affected areas of the subdivision to assess the situation. DC Shah instructed all concerned departments to expedite rescue operations and the distribution of food, water, and other essential supplies among the flood victims.
In response to the crisis, local MLA and minister Keshab Mahanta also visited the flood-hit areas to assess the situation. Addressing the local media, Mahanta described the embankment breach as unfortunate and assured that an inquiry into the incident would be conducted soon. He further promised government support and assistance to all flood victims.
It is noteworthy that the Hatimura embankment was previously breached in 2017 and subsequently repaired by the Nagaon Water Resources Division, which also constructed a sluice gate at the same location for the pilot project. However, Tuesday’s breach marks another instance of the embankment being breached at the same spot by floodwaters.
Meanwhile, due to the release of additional water from the Karbi Langpi hydro-electric power project, the Kapili river has been flowing above the danger level since Tuesday morning. The overflowing Kapili river has submerged extensive areas in Hojai and Kampur areas of Nagaon district, marking the third instance within a month. Residents of riverside villages have already evacuated to nearby locations, according to sources.
